How to Keep Peanut-Allergic Kids Safe

If someone in your family is allergic to peanuts, you understand the fear of accidental exposure. And even if you or your family don’t have peanut allergies, it’s good to understand how serious an allergic reaction can be.

Peanut allergy symptoms can range from minor irritation to a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). Avoiding even trace amounts of peanuts is required.

What can you do to help protect kids with dangerous allergies like those to peanuts?

If you spend time with a child with a peanut allergy, learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to respond immediately. Learn tips and much more at PeanutAllergy.com, a comprehensive resource about peanut allergies and treatment.

If you take treats for a child’s class or a play date and know that one of the children has a peanut or other food allergy, consider him or her in your plans. Ask their parents for tips about the child can eat. For prepackaged treats or items for recipes, check ingredient labels closely.

Many schools are addressing the issue, putting preventive — such as peanut-free lunchrooms — and emergency procedures in place.

Your awareness and sensitivity can help offer protection and can mean so much to a family with a loved one dealing with a peanut allergy.